flipLemon balm and citrus tisane (cordial water)
Lemon balm and citrus tisane (cordial water)
Why this dish? Fontenelle lived nearly a century (1657-1757) without major illness, and his contemporaries marveled at his serenity and moderation. Cordial waters made from lemon balm, reputed to calm the nerves and gladden the heart, suited this ideal of balance that he made the secret of his longevity.
A warm infusion of lemon balm and lemon zest, slightly bitter and soothing: the health water of a sage who never let himself be troubled.
I have often been asked the secret of my years, as if nature had confided some recipe to me. I answer: get worked up about nothing, and take a little lemon balm tisane in the evening. This herb, which apothecaries hold as a friend of the heart, loosens humors and calms the mind; I added a lemon zest for liveliness. Drink it warm, in small sips, and above all do as I do: never get angry — that is still the best of cordials.
- •Fresh lemon balm leaves — a handful (soothing herb)
- •Lemon zest — from a few fruits (liveliness)
- •Honey or sugar — to taste (sweetener)
- •Water — as needed (infusion)
Lemon balm and citrus tisane (cordial water)
A warm infusion of lemon balm and lemon zest, slightly bitter and soothing: the health water of a sage who never let himself be troubled.
Why this dish? Fontenelle lived nearly a century (1657-1757) without major illness, and his contemporaries marveled at his serenity and moderation. Cordial waters made from lemon balm, reputed to calm the nerves and gladden the heart, suited this ideal of balance that he made the secret of his longevity.
I have often been asked the secret of my years, as if nature had confided some recipe to me. I answer: get worked up about nothing, and take a little lemon balm tisane in the evening. This herb, which apothecaries hold as a friend of the heart, loosens humors and calms the mind; I added a lemon zest for liveliness. Drink it warm, in small sips, and above all do as I do: never get angry — that is still the best of cordials.
Ingredients (period version)
- Fresh lemon balm leaves — a handful (soothing herb)
- Lemon zest — from a few fruits (liveliness)
- Honey or sugar — to taste (sweetener)
- Water — as needed (infusion)
Ingredients
- Fresh lemon balm (or 2 tbsp dried) — a large handful (soothing herb)
- Zest of 1 untreated lemon — 1 (liveliness)
- Honey — 1 tsp (optional) (sweetener)
- Water — 50 cl (infusion)
Method
- Bring the water to a simmer, then remove from heat.
- Add the lemon balm leaves and lemon zest.
- Cover and let infuse for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Strain, sweeten with a little honey if desired.
- Drink warm, in small sips, preferably in the evening.
How it was made : “Cordial waters” and herbal tisanes belonged to domestic medicine, halfway between the kitchen and the apothecary. Lemon balm was reputed to “gladden the heart” (the word cordial comes from *cor*, heart) and calm the nerves — this is the spirit of the famous Eau de mélisse des Carmes, developed in 1611. It was taken for digestion and serenity.
The contemporary twist : Served iced with lemon slices, it becomes a refreshing summer infusion; hot, it is the evening tisane of long lives.
Sources : Tradition of the Eau de mélisse des Carmes, 1611 · Collections of domestic remedies and cordial waters, 17th-18th centuries
Fontenelle · Charactorium
